Assistance for Single Moms in Massachusetts

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Massachusetts. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
With the goal to help those in need, including single moms and their children, food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. The Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program in 1971. This resulted in anyone having the legal right to get SNAP benefits, as long as they met the rules for the program. Number of people in a household and how much income they have are the determining factors for the amount of SNAP benefits a family can receive. Certain tests must be met by households in order to get SNAP benefits, including resource (assets) and income tests. For more information on the program, please contact the Department of Transitional Assistance at 800-249-2007.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Schools can now offer a nutritious school breakfast and lunch with the help of the funding provided by the School Breakfast and Lunch Program. Provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards, schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served. For each meal served to children who qualify because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals, additional funds are provided to schools. Contact the Massachusetts Child Nutrition Programs office regarding the programs by dialing 781-338-6480.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible cams that do not participate in the Federal child nutrition meal service program are provided with milk from the Special Milk Program. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. Schools and institutions are reimbursed for the milk they serve. 781-338-6480 for further questions.

Massachusetts Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the WIC Program. Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. In order to apply for WIC, please call 800-942-1007.

Massachusetts Summer Food Service
When National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available, children can get nutritious meals from the Massachusetts Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP reimburses organizations that prepare and serve meals to eligible children during the summer and school vacation periods, to ensure all Massachusetts children receive proper nutrition throughout the year. For further questions, please call 781-338-6480.

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Single moms, children, individuals, and their families, can receive temporary cash assistance and supportive services from the Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program. Every person is afforded the opportunity, and has the right, to apply for any category of assistance administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance. For more information, please call 800-249-2007.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Rental Assistance Vouchers
The HUD funds most of the main programs. Very low income single moms as well as income qualified disabled residents and the elderly can receive help. Section 8 and other Housing and Urban Development resources can help pay for a portion of an applicant’s rent. 800-955-2232 to learn more about the program.

Credit Services
Credit counselors in Massachusetts offer budgeting skills, mediation services, repayment plans with your creditors, and low cost debt management plans to help single moms get out of debt. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
The Salvation Army is a charity single moms can turn to if they are faced with a crisis. Emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as rent and heating bills are some of the several programs offered to low income families. Counseling, food, and Christmas assistance are some other things that the charity is willing to help with.

MassHealth (Medicaid)
Certain low and medium income single moms living in Massachusetts can get their health care paid for by Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth). The program offers health-benefits either by paying part or all of your health insurance premiums or directly. The different types of coverage offered are based on whether you are a parent, pregnant, disabled HIV positive or have breast or cervical cancer, age, and whether you work for a small employer. MassHealth will give every applicant the most complete coverage that they qualify for. To apply for this benefit program, please call 800-841-2900.

MassHealth (CHIP)
In order to get MassHealth under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) there are some basic rules that need to be taken into consideration. If your family's income is low or medium and you are a child under age 19, you may still be eligible even if you or your family already have health insurance. Contact the MassHealth Customer Service for more information by calling 800-841-2900.

Legal Assistance
Providing residents and single mothers with free legal aid, the state of Massachusetts offers access to lawyers and non-profit law firms. Pro-bono legal assistance for civil matters is also offered. To contact the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation for more information, please call 617-367-8544.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through Unemployment Insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Massachusetts during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. In order to establish your unemployment insurance claim, you may call the TeleClaim Center at 877-626-6800 or 617-626-6800.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Eligible single moms can get help with paying their winter heating bills from the Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance). Based on household income the program will pay benefits of fixed amounts. Households having a high-energy burden have an additional benefit made available to them. Annualized income and the number of members in a household are the main determining factors when it comes to eligibility. To speak to a representative regarding LIHEAP, please call 800-632-8175.